One - Unity in a Divided World

Jesus didn't say that the world would know we are his followers by our biting rhetoric, our political leanings, our charity work, or even by our knowledge of Scripture. He said the world would know us by our love for one another. Yet it's so easy to put others at arm's length, to lash out, to put up walls. Deidra Riggs wants us to put our focus on self-preservation aside and, like Jesus, make the first move toward reconciliation.In One,Riggs shows readers that when Jesus offered himself up in our place, he was not only purchasing our salvation but also setting an example for us to follow. She helps readers understand that they are secure in God's inexhaustible love, making them free to love others lavishly--not just in what they do but in what they say, what they don't say, what they will endure, and what they will forgive.Anyone who longs for unity in the church, in their family, and in their community will find in this book both inspiring examples of loving done well and encouragement to begin the often unnoticed hard work of building bridges with those around them. Our world needs fewer walls and more bridges. Be a bridge builder.Jesus didn't say the world would know we are his followers by our rhetoric, our political leanings, our charity work, or even by our knowledge of Scripture. He said the world would know us by our love for one another. Yet it's so easy to put others at arm's length, to lash out, to put up walls. In One,Deidra Riggs calls us to put our focus on self-preservation aside and, like Jesus, make the first move toward reconciliation. She helps us understand that we are secure in God's inexhaustible love, making us free to love others lavishly--not just in what we do but in what we say, what we don't say, what we will endure, and what we will forgive."This book will challenge, excite, transform, and inspire everyone who dreams of an end to division and polarization--in the Church, in our communities, in the workplace, in our homes, and in our very own souls."--John Perkins, cofounder, Christian Community Development Association; founder, John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation, Justice, and Christian Community Development; author of Dream with Me"If you're searching for tools to help you rebuild unity in today's divided world, learn from Deidra. She's a wise, humble, and hope-filled guide."--Jo Saxton, speaker and author; board chair of 3D Movements"One brings hope and healing to a divided and broken people. I highly recommend it to those seeking to understand the first and next steps toward racial unity."--Tasha Morrison, founder of Be the BridgeDeidra Riggs is a national speaker, author, and blogger. As founder of JumpingTandem, Deidra leads an online community offering inspiration, encouragement, and a safe place to practice grace. She is a regular contributor to Dayspring's (in)courage online community. She has been a speaker for TEDx and IF:Gathering and has organized her own women's retreat. She lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband, Harry, and their dog, Santana. Connect with Deidra at DeidraRiggs.com. About the Author Deidra Riggs is the author of Every Little Thing, as well as an influential blogger at her own blog, JumpingTandem, and at DaySpring's (in)courage, and has served as managing editor for TheHighCalling.org. She has been a speaker for TEDx and IF:Gathering and has organized her own women's retreat, hosting speakers like Lisa-Jo Baker, Holley Gerth, Amena Brown, and many more. She and her husband have two adult children and live in Lincoln, Nebraska. Learn more at www.DeidraRiggs.com.